A Margiela Cinderella

PARIS—Remember that scene in Walt Disney's Cinderella, where the godmother and the friendly mice turn random objects into a ball gown? That's what Maison Martin Margiela`s `artisanal line' presentation, presented last night, felt like. Gaffa tape, old seat belts, sport socks—if you could build a set with it, they built a dress with it.

On the first day of couture when one's sandwiched between a Hussein Chalayan retrospective and a Dior couture show, a mere piece of polyester feeks shocking, but when fleece is held together by sticky tape? Well the front row looked like it might have a heart attack right there in the Maison's showroom. The clothes comically contrasted with the environment which included a grand piano and live concert against the 19th century interiors in white and gold.

Eventually, it made sense. Old blankets turned into draped dresses with trails, seat belts became sexy braces. The gaffa tape holding suits together complemented the satin masks worn by the models. White socks turned into body conscious knits, or into high heeled shoes via a wedge stuck at the sole; scraps of leather turned into biker jackets and plastic trench coats were right on trend.

When we walked outside, we have expected to a see a town car turned coach!

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